El Salvador boosts gold and Bitcoin reserves
6.6 Banking El Salvador's central bank bought $50M in gold, raising reserves to 67,403 ounces ($360M), while holding 7,547 BTC ($635M) to diversify and stabilize assets.
El Salvador's Central Reserve Bank has boosted its international reserves by acquiring 9,298 troy ounces of gold, valued at $50 million, in late January 2026. This purchase increases the nation's total gold holdings to 67,403 ounces, now worth about $360 million at current market prices. This move is part of a dual-asset strategy, blending traditional gold reserves with significant Bitcoin exposure. El Salvador currently holds 7,547 BTC, valued at approximately $635 million. The central bank explained that this approach is designed to consolidate long-term national wealth and maintain a prudent reserve balance, especially amid global economic uncertainty. The latest gold acquisition follows a similar purchase in September 2025 and aligns with a global trend of central banks increasing gold reserves. President Nayib Bukele described the move as an opportunity to "buy the dip" during a period of price fluctuation.
